Gigi Hadid, Jay Pharoah to Host 2016 American Music Awards

Duo joins previously announced performers including Lady Gaga and John Legend

jay pharoah gigi hadid american music awards
Getty Images

Gigi Hadid and Jay Pharoah are set to host the 2016 American Music Awards, ABC and Dick Clark Productions announced Friday.

“I’m so excited to host the 2016 AMAs with Jay Pharoah,” Hadid said. “Jay is known for his spot-on impressions so I can’t wait to take the stage with him to show my goofy side and celebrate this year’s nominees!”

The pair will join previously announced performers including: Lady Gaga, Green Day, John Legend, Bruno Mars and The Weeknd; special duets from The Chainsmokers and Halsey, and Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj; and “The American Music Award of Merit” honoree and performer Sting.

“Can’t wait to host the AMAs with the beautiful Gigi Hadid (so much innocence in her eyes) and being in the building with some of my industry friends, who I’ve probably impersonated at some point I’m sure,” added Pharoah. “It’s gonna be a fun night!”

At age 2, Hadid was discovered by Paul Marciano of Guess and modeled in campaigns for Baby Guess and Guess Kids. At age 17, she signed a modeling contract with IMG and now, at only 21, Hadid has graced the runways of Marc Jacobs, Giles, Sonia Rykiel, Jean Paul Gaultier, Jeremy Scott and Chanel, and walked the Victoria’s Secret 2015 Fashion Show.

Pharoah is an actor, stand-up comedian, impersonator, rapper and voice actor. The six-season SNL alum is well known for his stellar impressions of President Barack Obama, Jay Z, Denzel Washington and Kanye West, among others.

He will also star in the new Showtime series “White Famous,” which is being executive produced by Jamie Foxx, who will appear in a guest starring role.

Nominations for the 2016 American Music Awards were announced last month, yielding 13 nominations for Drake, with Rihanna receiving seven and Adele and Justin Bieber netting five nominations each. Beyoncé and The Chainsmokers each received four nominations.

The ceremony is produced by Dick Clark productions. Allen Shapiro and Mike Mahan are executive producers. Larry Klein, Barry Adelman and Mark Bracco are producing.

The 2016 American Music Awards will broadcast live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Nov. 20 at 8 p.m./7c on ABC.

Comments